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As part of the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, Navy chaplains recently received new guidelines [2] for how to approach same-sex relationships.
Among the changes, same sex marriages may now take place on base property, if the base is located in a state that recognizes these unions. Navy chaplains may now officiate a same-sex civil marriage, if it is conducted according to the laws of the state.
Since Virginia is not a state that recognizes these unions, it is unlikely that the new rules will immediately affect marriages officiated on bases in the Commonwealth. However, it is uncertain whether chaplains may now receive pressure to officiate same-sex ceremonies, even if doing so is contrary to their personal religious beliefs.
Critics of the policy have also expressed concern that the Navy’s move violates the federal “Defense of Marriage Act,” which states that the federal government defines marriage as between one man and one woman.
UPDATE:
In a letter [3]dated May 6, 2011, 62 Members of Congress took the Secretary of the Navy to task for its new policy on solemnization of same-sex marriage. Virginia’s Randy Forbes, Scott Rigell and Rob Wittman were among the signers of that letter.
On May 11th, the Navy rescinded [4]the new guidance for Navy chaplains, reverting to previous policy.